Rotating Cup Flushing Apparatus for Spillage-Free Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container filling machines face issues with spillage of flushing liquid during the flushing and recovery process due to high pressure turbulence, requiring an efficient and spillage-free solution that is compact, easy to produce, and adaptable for integration into existing machines.
Innovation Solution
An automatic flushing apparatus with a middle ring having radially extending cups and an annular seal, which rotates to align coaxially with the filling nozzles, allowing for sealed flushing and collection of the liquid without spillage, and includes a mechanism for automatic operation within the machine cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flushing liquid is discharged at high pressure through nozzles, then flushing effectiveness is improved, but liquid spillage increases due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collection tray as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the discharge point. The tray is positioned to receive the high-pressure flushing liquid directly at the nozzle outlet, preventing it from spilling onto the surrounding area. The tray then channels the liquid through controlled paths to the discharge point, mediating between the high-pressure source and the discharge destination to eliminate spillage while maintaining flushing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the liquid collection function from the general discharge system by introducing a dedicated collection tray. This tray is specifically designed to intercept and contain the flushing liquid at the critical point where it exits the nozzle, separating the high-pressure discharge path from the surrounding environment. By taking out the liquid containment function into a dedicated component, the system prevents spillage while preserving the high-pressure flushing capability.
2Ease of operation
If collection trays are made open to allow liquid discharge, then discharge functionality is achieved, but liquid spillage occurs during recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic collection tray system that can change its configuration between different operational states. The tray is designed to move or adjust its position to adapt between the flushing phase (where it collects liquid) and the discharge phase (where it releases liquid). This dynamic capability allows the tray to perform both collection and discharge functions effectively while preventing spillage, as the tray can be positioned optimally for each specific operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the collection and discharge functions into distinct operational phases and positions. The collection tray is designed with specific regions or pathways that handle liquid collection separately from the discharge mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain an open discharge configuration for ease of operation while using the tray's structured design to prevent spillage during the recovery and discharge process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flushing apparatus is made compact for existing machines, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the collection tray to serve multiple functions within a compact structure. The same tray component performs liquid collection, liquid channeling, and liquid discharge functions, eliminating the need for separate components for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the apparatus structure, making it adaptable to existing machines while maintaining compact dimensions. The tray's universal design allows it to handle various operational requirements without increasing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, spillage-free pressurized flushing of the filling machine components, ensuring efficient cleaning without disrupting the normal operation of the machine and allowing for reverse flushing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
An annular seal (212) of the 0-ring type is also provided inside the cup (210)
Implementation Method 2
a cylinder (260) with a mechanical stop (260a) and arm (261) able to cause rotation of the ring (200) from the rest position (Fig. 2) into a working position where each cup is arranged coaxial with a respective nozzle (110)
Implementation Method 3
Means (250) for moving the middle ring (200) in both directions along the vertical axis Z-Z are also arranged between the lower ring (300) and the middle ring (200)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~5d
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
Apparatus for flushing pipes and/or nozzles (110) in operating machines, comprising a ring (200) to which the following are connected: - a plurality of radially extending cups (210), means (260) able to cause rotation of the ring (200) from an angular rest position into an angular working position where the cups (210) are coaxial with the parts to be flushed and vice versa; - means (250) for moving the ring (200) in both directions along a vertical axis (Z-Z) from an axial rest position into an axial working position where the cups (210) are sealingly engaged with the nozzles (110) to be flushed, said cups being connected to a header (220) for collecting the flushing liquid.